What is the percentage for skin necrosis for past smokers?

Question

I quit smoking 10/26/15 and bc I did use to smoke I'm concerned about skin necrosis. I did ask my doctor but he didn't seem too concerned about it & said I've already done everything I could do by not smoking. Is there anything I can do further to lower the risks such as vitamins, etc? what exactly is the percentage or average of past smokers getting skin necrosis (like 1 in 10 or 2% out of 118,000). Any insight would greatly be appreciated!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If you have not smoke for a few months the risk of skin necrosis as part of and abdominoplasty is no different than for non-smoker.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Congratulations on quitting smoking!  I require all my patients quit smoking 8 weeks prior to surgery and 8 weeks after surgery.  It's the nicotine in the tobacco and any products that increases the risk of complications.   I would ask your surgeon if he/she would recommend you undergo a few pre-op hyperbaric treatments.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

It is great that you quit smoking, make sure you are also not using nicotine products as well. Different surgeries have different risks of necrosis but since you have been off cigarettes for close to two months your risk should be much lower. Usually I like to have patients off all nicotine at least 4 weeks prior to surgery to help lower the risk good luck

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I am not aware of any specific statistics on skin necrosis and smoking. The fact that you have already quite smoking and continue to remain a non-smoker is the best thing that you can do to insure proper healing post surgery. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well. I recommend you to take at least 3 oxygen treatments sessions before surgery and also, at least 6 hours after. You will be fine if you follow up those treatments.

What is the percentage for skin necrosis for past smokers?

Answers (9)

Answer: Skin Necrosis

Answer: Skin Necrosis

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

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What is the percentage for skin necrosis for past smokers?

Answers (9)

Answer: Skin Necrosis

Answer: Skin Necrosis

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

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